Economic Systems

All Economic Systems seek to answer the three basic economic questions 1) What to produce? 2) How to produce? 3) For whom to produce?

Traditional Economies Basic economic questions answered by what has been done in the past Traditions are maintained Ritual, Habit, and Custom

Traditional economies Individual roles and choices are defined by the customs of elders and ancestors These economies are usually based in societies of hunter/gatherers Sharing is a big part of these economies

Examples of Traditional economies Australian aborigines

The Mbuti in Central Africa

The Inuit of Northern Canada

How do Traditional economies answer the three basic questions? 1) What to produce? Whatever ritual, habit or custom dictates 2) How to produce? However ritual, habit or custom dictate 3) For whom to produce? For whomever ritual, habit or custom dictate

Advantages of Traditional economy There is little to no uncertainty Everyone knows what role to play Life is generally stable, predictable, and continuous

Disadvantages of Traditional economies Tend to discourage new ideas and new ways of doing things Lack of progress lowers standard of living

Command Economies Basic economic questions answered by the government (central authority)

Examples of Command economies Only one command economy left – North Korea All others have mixed in market economy with their command structure (China)

North Korea

How do Command economies answer the basic economic questions? 1) What to produce? Whatever the government says to produce 2) How to produce? However the government tells you to produce 3) For whom to produce? For whomever the government tells you to produce (ideally the entire society)

Advantages of Command economy Because the government has total control over production and its factors, these economies can change rapidly. Whatever is needed most will be produced. There is no uncertainty (people are told when and how to work) Free education, health care, and other public services

Disadvantages of Command economy Economy designed to meet needs not wants No incentive to work hard (people don’t often lose their jobs, so they do the bare minimum to get by) Large bureaucracy means slow decision making, raises cost of production, lacks flexibility No reward for initiative which slows progress

Market Economies Basic economic questions answered by consumers Dollars = Votes

Examples of Market economies USA, Canada, UK, etc. etc.

Advantages of Market Economies Adjusts to change based on consumer wants High degree of individual freedom Low levels of government interference Because individuals (with money) make the decisions, everyone (with money) has a voice in the way the economy runs Wide variety of available goods & services Many choices = high degree of consumer satisfaction

Disadvantages of Market Economies Poverty: only those with money can participate Market does not provide for people’s basic needs. Governments must attempt to do this (think Katrina). High degree of uncertainty people lose jobs, businesses fail Greed based system puts profit before people

What is a Mixed Economy? A mixed economy blends components of two or more of the following economic systems to varying degrees: traditional, market, and command